HC Deb 18 March 1963 vol 674 cc7-8
9. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many recipients of National Assistance in the Glasgow area received increased payments between 22nd December, 1962, and 2nd March, 1963; what was the total monetary increase as compared with the same period a year ago; and if he will give the corresponding figures for the whole of Scotland.

Mr. N. Macpherson

It is not clear whether the hon. Member is referring to grants by way of a single payment to meet an exceptional need or to regular weekly additions to provide for special needs of various kinds. Information about the latter is available only on an annual basis for Great Britain as a whole and not for particulars areas or particular times of the year. As the information in regard to single payments in the Glasgow area and in Scotland contains a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Rankin

Can the right hon. Gentleman give one figure? Can he say how the total monetary payment during the period I indicated compares with the total amount paid out a year ago?

Mr. Macpherson

At the Glasgow offices it was £15,465 up to 26th February, 1963, against £11,210 for the previous period; and the Scottish figures are more or less in line.

Mr. Rankin

Does not that figure show a rather shameful state of affairs, in view of the fact that during this period not only was Glasgow hit by heavy unemployment but by the coldest winter in the experience of most people? Does not it seem a shame that during that period people should obviously have received so little additional help from the National Assistance Board due to the action of the Minister?

Mr. Macpherson

This is certainly not due to the action of the Minister. The amounts payable are within the discretion of the Board, and these are the payments it decided were proper.

Following is the information:

SINGLE PAYMENTS OF NATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO MEET AN EXCEPTIONAL NEED IN SCOTLAND
Period
— 20th December, 1961–27th February, 1962 19th December, 1962–26th February, 1963
Glasgow offices:
Number 2,417 3,065
Total amount £11,210 £15,465
Scotland as a whole:
Number 5,378 6,804
Total amount £23,401 £31,697